Ball retention systems

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide ball retention systems that accommodate and support one or more balls and/or other items while still allowing the user to comfortably and effectively perform athletic activity without constricting movement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to clothing, and in particular, to active wear clothing that retains one or more athletic balls.

BACKGROUND

In many sports such as, tennis, golf, racquetball, softball, baseball, table tennis, and other similar sports, balls are often hit out of bounds or to inconvenient areas. This generally causes delays in games while these balls are chased after and retrieved. There is a proclivity toward preventing delays during games, especially with beginner players, where delays can diminish concentration and focus, as well as enjoyment.

Therefore, it is often desirable to have more than one ball readily accessible during play to replace stray balls. Typically, players will place one or more tubes or buckets of balls in close proximity to the site of the game and/or will hold one or more balls during play in their hands, in their pockets or under compression clothing. Conventional clothing systems are generally not designed to accommodate and support one or more balls, while compression clothing systems tend to inhibit full range of movement and fail to provide comfort to the player.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide ball retention systems that accommodate and support one or more balls and/or other items while still allowing the user to comfortably and effectively perform athletic activity without constricting movement.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a ball retention component coupled to an article of clothing. The ball retention component comprises a belt having one or two unsecured edges to accessibly secure and store items during play.

In other embodiments, the ball retention component comprises a compartment having one or two unsecured edges to accessibly secure and store items during play.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, ball retention component may secure one or more balls, and/or other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, ball retention component may accommodate, support and secure larger items such as, for example, tennis racquets, golf clubs, racquetball racquets, bats, paddles, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more items. The ball retention system utilizes tension and friction to securely hold items. Thus, when items are not being supported by the system, there is no expansive force and a sleek, continuous silhouette is provided. This versatility allows the clothing associated with the ball retention systems disclosed herein to be worn on a tennis court, a golf course, while running, during other athletic activity, but also during any normal, ordinary activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a front elevation view of a ball retention system demonstrated in a first representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1 b is an exemplary illustration of the ball retention system of FIG. 1 a engaged to support a tennis ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c provide exemplary illustrations of the ball retention system of FIG. 1 a in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a ball retention system demonstrated in a second representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4 a-4 d provided exemplary illustrations of a ball retention system demonstrated in a third representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5 a-5 d provided exemplary illustrations of a ball retention system demonstrated in a fourth representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6 a-6 c provided exemplary illustrations of a ball retention system demonstrated in a fifth representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 provided exemplary illustrations of a ball retention system demonstrated in a sixth representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 8 a-8 e provided exemplary illustrations of a ball retention system demonstrated in a seventh representative design according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide ball retention systems that accommodate and support one or more balls and/or other items while still allowing the user to comfortably and effectively perform athletic activity.

FIGS. 1-4 generally illustrate a ball retention system 100. It should be understood that system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 100 may generally include a ball retention component 120 coupled to an article of clothing 140 (hereinafter referred to as “article 140”). In one embodiment, the ball retention component 120 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 140.

Article 140 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing, such as, for example, pants as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, shorts as shown in FIG. 2 a, capri pants as shown in FIG. 2 b, or skirts as shown in FIG. 2 c according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the back of article 140 may generally be substantially identical to the front of article 140, and comprising similar features to the features depicted in the front elevation views of article 140 shown in FIGS. 1 a, 2 a, 2 b and 2 c.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 120 comprises a belt 122 having a height (h) and a length (l). In various embodiments, the height (h) of belt 122 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 100. Article 140 may have a circumference (c). In one embodiment, length (l) of belt 122 may be substantially the same as the circumference (c) of article 140. In one embodiment, the belt 122 is coupled around the circumference of a top hem 142 of article 140.

In one embodiment, belt 122 may have a secured edge 124 and an unsecured edge 126. Secured edge 124 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to top hem 142 of article 140 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, belt 122 may be a part of article 140, integrally extending upwards from top hem 142 and folded down over top hem 142.

In one embodiment, the belt 122 is optionally coupled along one or both side seams 144 of article 140 to provide additional tension in belt 122 to further secure one or more balls supported by system 100.

Belt 122 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to side seams 144 of article 140 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, belt 122 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, belt 122 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding belt 122 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between belt 122 and article 140. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the belt 122 and article 140 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be retained by belt 122 by inserting the same under the unsecured edge 126 at any position along the circumference of belt 122 as shown in FIG. 1 b. The grippable tensile strength of belt 122 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When belt 122 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of belt 122 relaxes and belt 122 may generally conform to the shape of article 140, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 140 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items during use. Moreover, as belt 122 is positioned at waist height, any balls or other items secured by system 100 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates a ball retention system 200. It should be understood that system 200 shown in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, system 200 may generally be similar to system 100 shown in and described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4 above (with like parts having similar numbers). As such, system 200 may generally include a ball retention component 220 coupled to an article of clothing 240 (hereinafter referred to as “article 240”), where the ball retention component 220 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 240.

In contrast to system 100, article 240 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing having a length (L) that extends over at least a majority of a user's body, such as, for example, a dress as shown in FIG. 3, or a tunic according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the back of article 240 may generally be substantially identical to the front of article 240, and comprising similar features to the features depicted in the front elevation views of article 240 shown in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 220 comprises a belt 222 having a height (h) and a length (l). In various embodiments, the height (h) of belt 222 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 200. Article 240 may have a circumference (c). In one embodiment, length (l) of belt 222 may be substantially the same as the circumference (c) of article 240. In one embodiment, the belt 222 is coupled around the circumference of article 240 along the length (L) of article 240 at waist or hip height. However, in other embodiments the belt 222 may be coupled around the circumference of article 240 at any suitable position along the length (L) of article 240.

In one embodiment, in contrast to system 100, belt 222 may be coupled to article 240 along side seams 242 of article 240, thereby leaving both the top edge 224 and bottom edge 226 of belt 222 unsecured, allowing for greater clearance to insert one or more balls and other items between belt 222 and article 240.

In one embodiment, belt 222 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to side seams 242 of article 240 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, belt 222 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, belt 222 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, as both the top edge 224 and the bottom edge 226 of belt 222 are unsecured, other items may be accommodated and supported by belt 222 before, during and after game play, including larger items such as, for example, tennis racquets, golf clubs, racquetball racquets, bats, paddles, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding belt 222 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between belt 222 and article 240. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the belt 222 and article 240 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be secured by belt 222 by inserting the same under the top edge 224 or the bottom edge 226 of belt 222 at any position along the circumference of belt 222. The grippable tensile strength of belt 222 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When belt 222 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of belt 222 relaxes and belt 222 may generally conform to the shape of article 240, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 240 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items. Moreover, in embodiments where belt 222 is positioned at waist or hip height, any balls or other items secured by system 200 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

FIGS. 4 a-4 d generally illustrate a ball retention system 300. It should be understood that system 300 shown in FIGS. 4 a-4 d is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 300 may generally include a ball retention component 320 coupled to an article of clothing 340 (hereinafter referred to as “article 340”). In one embodiment, the ball retention component 320 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 340.

Article 340 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing, such as, for example, a shirt as shown in FIG. 4 a, a tank top as shown in FIG. 4 b, or a pullover top as shown in FIGS. 4 c and 4 d according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 4 d, the back of article 340 may generally be substantially identical to the front of article 340, and comprising similar features to the features depicted in the front elevation views of article 340 shown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 320 comprises a belt 322 having a height (h) and a length (l). In various embodiments, the height (h) of belt 322 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 300. Article 340 may have a circumference (c). In one embodiment, length (l) of belt 322 may be substantially the same as the circumference (c) of article 340. In one embodiment, the belt 322 is coupled around the circumference (c) of article 340 of a bottom hem 342 of article 340.

In one embodiment, belt 322 may have an unsecured edge 324 and a secured edge 326. Secured edge 326 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to bottom hem 342 of article 340 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, belt 322 may be a part of article 340, integrally extending downwards from bottom hem 342 and folded up over bottom hem 342.

In one embodiment, the belt 322 is optionally coupled along one or both side seams 344 of article 340 to provide additional tension in belt 322 to further secure one or more balls and/or other items supported by system 300.

Belt 322 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to side seams 344 of article 340 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, belt 322 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, belt 322 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding belt 322 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between belt 322 and article 340. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the belt 322 and article 340 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be secured by belt 322 by inserting the same under the unsecured edge 324 at any position along the circumference of belt 322. The grippable tensile strength of belt 322 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When belt 322 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of belt 322 relaxes and belt 322 may generally conform to the shape of article 340, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 340 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items. Moreover, as belt 322 is positioned at about waist height, any balls or other items secured by system 300 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

FIGS. 5 a-5 d generally illustrate a ball retention system 400. It should be understood that system 400 shown in FIGS. 5 a-5 d is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 400 may generally include a ball retention component 420 coupled to an article of clothing 440 (hereinafter referred to as “article 440”). In one embodiment, the ball retention component 420 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 440.

Article 440 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing, such as, for example, a jacket as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, or a vest as shown in FIGS. 5 c and 5 d according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, article 440 may have an opening having edges 446 extending the entire height of article 440. Edges 446 may be fastened to each other using zipper 448 as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 c, or in any other manner such as using buttons, buckles, hook-and-loop fastener, snap-button, male and female coupling adapters, clip or pin attachment, or using other suitable fastening materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 420 comprises a belt 422 having a height (h) and a length (l). In various embodiments, the height (h) of belt 422 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 400. Article 440 may have a circumference (c). In one embodiment, length (l) of belt 422 may be substantially the same as the circumference (c) of article 440. In one embodiment, the belt 422 is coupled around the circumference of a bottom hem 442 of article 440.

In one embodiment, belt 422 may have an unsecured edge 424, a secured edge 426, and ends 428. Secured edge 426 may be coupled to the bottom hem 442 of article 440 and ends 428 may be coupled to the edges 446 of article 440.

Secured edge 426 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to the bottom hem 442 of article 440 and ends 428 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to the edges 446 of article 440 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the belt 422 is optionally coupled along one or both side seams 444 of article 440 to provide additional tension in belt 422 to further secure one or more balls supported by system 400. Moreover, in such an orientation, defined pockets may be formed between side seams 444 and the edges 446.

Belt 422 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to side seams 444 of article 440 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, as exemplified in FIGS. 5 b and 5 d, the back of article 440 may generally be substantially identical to and comprising similar features to the features depicted in the back elevation view of article 340 shown in FIG. 4 d.

In one embodiment, belt 422 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, belt 422 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding belt 422 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between belt 422 and article 440. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the belt 422 and article 440 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be secured by belt 422 by inserting the same under the unsecured edge 424 at any position along the circumference of belt 422. The grippable tensile strength of belt 422 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When belt 422 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of belt 422 relaxes and belt 422 may generally conform to the shape of article 440, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 440 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items. Moreover, as belt 422 is positioned at waist height, any balls or other items secured by system 400 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c generally illustrate a ball retention system 500. It should be understood that system 500 shown in FIGS. 6 a-6 c is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 500 may generally include a ball retention component 520 coupled to an article of clothing 540 (hereinafter referred to as “article 540”). In one embodiment, the ball retention component 520 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 540.

Article 540 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing, such as, for example, pants as shown in FIG. 6 a, shorts as shown in FIG. 6 b, or a skirt as shown in FIG. 6 c according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 520 comprises a compartment 522 having a height and a length. In various embodiments, the height and length of compartment 522 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 500. In one embodiment, the compartment 522 is coupled under a band 542 of article 540 at hem 544 of article 540.

In one embodiment, compartment 522 may have a secured edge 524, secured ends 528 and an unsecured edge 526. Secured edge 524 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to hem 544 of article 540, and secured ends 528 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to article 540 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, compartment 522 may be integrally constructed with article 540.

In one embodiment, compartment 522 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, compartment 522 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding compartment 522 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between compartment 522 and article 540. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the compartment 522 and article 540 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be secured by compartment 522 by inserting the same under the unsecured edge 526. The grippable tensile strength of compartment 522 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When compartment 522 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of compartment 522 relaxes and compartment 522 may generally conform to the shape of article 540, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 540 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items. Moreover, in embodiments where compartment 522 is positioned behind the user while article 540 is worn, any balls or other items secured by system 500 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

FIG. 7 generally illustrates a ball retention system 600. It should be understood that system 600 shown in FIG. 7 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, system 600 may generally include a ball retention component 620 coupled to an article of clothing 640 (hereinafter referred to as “article 640”), where the ball retention component 620 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 640.

Article 640 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing, such as, for example, a dress as shown in FIG. 7, or a tunic according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 620 comprises a compartment 622 having a height and a length. In various embodiments, the height and length of compartment 622 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 600.

In one embodiment, the compartment 622 is coupled to article 640 at waist or hip height. However, in other embodiments the compartment 622 may be coupled around the circumference of article 640 at any suitable position along the length (L) of article 640.

In one embodiment, compartment 622 may have a top edge 624, secured ends 628 and a bottom edge 626.

In one embodiment, compartment 622 may be coupled to article 640 along secured ends 628, thereby leaving both the top edge 624 and bottom edge 626 of compartment 622 unsecured, allowing for clearance to insert one or more balls and/or other items from either the top edge 624 and the bottom edge 626.

Secured ends 628 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to article 640 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, compartment 622 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, compartment 622 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, as both the top edge 624 and the bottom edge 626 of compartment 622 is unsecured, other items may be accommodated and supported by compartment 622 before, during and after game play, including larger items such as, for example, tennis racquets, golf clubs, racquetball racquets, bats, paddles other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding compartment 622 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between compartment 622 and article 640. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the compartment 622 and article 640 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be secured by compartment 622 by inserting the same under the top edge 624 or the bottom edge 626 of compartment 622. The grippable tensile strength of compartment 622 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When compartment 622 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of compartment 622 relaxes and compartment 622 may generally conform to the shape of article 640, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 640 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items. Moreover, in embodiments where compartment 622 is positioned behind the user while article 640 is worn, any balls or other items secured by system 600 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

FIGS. 8 a-8 e generally illustrate a ball retention system 700. It should be understood that system 700 shown in FIGS. 8 a-8 e is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable system or subsystem could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of system 700 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 700 may generally include a ball retention component 720 coupled to an article of clothing 740 (hereinafter referred to as “article 740”). In one embodiment, the ball retention component 720 may be employed to secure one or more items while a user wears article 740.

Article 740 may comprise a plurality of articles of clothing, such as, for example, a shirt as shown in FIG. 8 a, a tank top as shown in FIG. 8 b, a pullover as shown in FIG. 8 c, a jacket as shown in FIG. 8 d, or a vest as shown in FIG. 8 e according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the ball retention component 720 comprises a compartment 722 having a height and a length. In various embodiments, the height and length of compartment 722 may be varied depending on the size, shape and number of the desired balls and/or objects to be secured by system 700. In one embodiment, the compartment 722 is coupled at a bottom hem 742 of article 740.

In one embodiment, compartment 722 may have an unsecured edge 724, secured ends 728 and a secured edge 726. Secured edge 726 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to the bottom hem 742 of article 740, and secured ends 728 may be fixedly connected or otherwise coupled to article 740 in any suitable manner, such as being sewn onto, sewn into, bonded to, glued onto, stapled to, or any other suitable coupling method including using hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, button, snap-button, adhesive, permanent adhesive, peel-and-stick material, male and female coupling adapters, other suitable coupling materials, or any combination thereof.

In alternative embodiments, compartment 722 may be integrally constructed with article 740.

In one embodiment, compartment 722 may stretch and expand so as to accommodate one or more balls. In other embodiments, compartment 722 may secure other items, such as score cards, golf tees, writing instruments, wallets, credit cards, cash, keys, cellular phones, smart phones, other personal items, other suitable items, or a combination thereof.

The tension created by stretching and expanding compartment 722 grips the one or more balls and/or other items between compartment 722 and article 740. The friction caused by the one or more balls and/or other items engaging the compartment 722 and article 740 further secures the one or more balls and/or other items by preventing unwanted movement.

In operation, one or more balls and/or other items may be secured by compartment 722 by inserting the same under the unsecured edge 724. The grippable tensile strength of compartment 722 secures the one or more balls and/or other items in place even as the user moves. When compartment 722 is not being employed to retain one or more balls and/or other items, the tensile strength of compartment 722 relaxes and compartment 722 may generally conform to the shape of article 740, providing a smooth silhouette.

In one embodiment, article 740 provides a level of cushion and protection against the force exerted by the one or more balls and/or other items. Moreover, in embodiments where compartment 722 is positioned behind the user while article 740 is worn, any balls or other items secured by system 700 would not impair or obstruct the movement of the user during game play.

Any of belt 122, article 140, belt 222, article 240, belt 322, article 340, belt 422, article 440, compartment 522, article 540, compartment 622, article 640, compartment 622 and/or compartment 640 may be made of polyester, spandex, lycra, nylon, moisture-wicking fabric, dri-fit material, cotton, organic cotton, knit, mesh, rubber hemp, rayon, fiber natural fiber, synthetic fiber, other suitable material, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the exterior surface of any of belt 122, article 140, belt 222, article 240, belt 322, article 340, belt 422, article 440, compartment 522, article 540, compartment 622, article 640, compartment 622 and/or compartment 640 may be embellished with different colors, patterns, camouflage patterns, novelty items, ornamental items, stickers, removable stickers, text, logos, designs, images, other decorative materials, or any combination thereof to enhance or otherwise achieve a desired design.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retention system for securing one or more items comprising: a garment; a panel with a grippable tensile strength disposed around a circumference of the garment; the panel having a first end and an opposing second end; the first end coupled to the garment creating a cavity around the circumference of the garment between the panel and the garment that is operable to receive the one or more items; and the second end uncoupled to the garment that has an opening to allow the one or more items to be inserted into the cavity; wherein the grippable tensile strength secures the one or more items within the cavity between the panel and the garment.
 2. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of supporting seams disposed perpendicularly between the first end and the second end.
 3. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the first end is disposed along a top hem of the garment and the opening of the cavity is oriented below the first end.
 4. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the first end is disposed along a bottom hem of the garment and the opening of the cavity is oriented above the first end.
 5. A retention system for securing one or more items comprising: a garment; and a panel with a grippable tensile strength coupled to the garment; wherein the panel coupled to the garment creates a cavity operable to hold the one or more items; wherein the grippable tensile strength secures the one or more items within the sleeve between the panel and the garment.
 6. The retention system of claim 5, wherein the panel is disposed around a circumference of the garment.
 7. The retention system of claim 6, wherein the panel further comprises a first end and an opposing second end.
 8. The retention system of claim 7, wherein the panel is coupled at each side of the garment to form the cavity having an opening along the first end and an opening along the second end.
 9. The retention system of claim 7, wherein the first end is coupled to the garment to form the cavity.
 10. The retention system of claim 9, wherein the first end is disposed along a top hem of the garment and the opening of the cavity is oriented below the first end.
 11. The retention system of claim 9, wherein the first end is disposed along a bottom hem of the garment and the opening of the cavity is oriented above the first end.
 12. The retention system of claim 5, wherein the panel is disposed against a portion of the garment.
 13. The retention system of claim 12, wherein the panel further comprises: a first end, an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side; wherein the first side and the opposing second side are perpendicularly disposed between the first end and the opposing second end.
 14. The retention system of claim 13, wherein the first end, the first side and the opposing second side are each coupled to the garment to form the cavity.
 15. The retention system of claim 14, wherein the first end is disposed along a top hem of the garment and the opening of the cavity is oriented below the first end.
 16. The retention system of claim 14, wherein the first end is disposed along a bottom hem of the garment and the opening of the cavity is oriented above the first end.
 17. The retention system of claim 13, wherein the first side and the opposing second side are each coupled to the garment to form a cavity having an opening along the first end and an opening along the second end.
 18. A retention system to couple to a garment for securing one or more items comprising: a panel having a grippable tensile strength disposed around a circumference of the garment; the panel having a first end and an opposing second end; the panel coupled to the garment creating a cavity around the circumference of the garment between the panel and the garment that is operable to receive the one or more items; and at least one opening to allow the one or more items to be inserted into the cavity; wherein the grippable tensile strength secures the one or more items within the cavity between the panel and the garment.
 19. The retention system of claim 17, wherein the first end is coupled to the garment to form the cavity having the opening along the second end.
 20. The retention system of claim 18, wherein the panel is coupled at each side of the garment to form the cavity having one of the openings along the first end and one of the openings along the second end. 